Download a PDF version of this newsletter ACRES Pre-Conference Track CSI is proud to be presenting a (2-day) seminar on Sustainable & Organic Farming at ACRES ECO-AG University Dec. 3-4, 2014. Eco-Ag University is the Advanced Learn-ing program offered through ACRES where attendees can choose a variety of “pre-conference tracks” taught by top-notch consultants, farmers, […]

We believe both weeds and insects tell us something about the condition of our soil and/or crop. Both proliferate when condition are good and decline when those conditions warrant. Weed populations give you an indication of your soil IF you know how to interpret them. Jay McCaman’s Weeds and Why They Grow and Charles Walters, […]

The goal of Nontoxic, Sustainable, Biological farming is to grow high Brix, high nutrient crops. Brix is a refractometer reading indicating the level of dissolved solids (mostly sugars and carbohydrates) contained in the juice being measured. The higher the brix reading the higher the sugars, mineral levels, specific gravity and true protein levels. This adds […]

BELATED HOLIDAY GREETINGS: Thank You for Your Past Business & we hope you had a great holiday season and we look forward to working with you this year. Good Luck & Good Growing. Dr. Phil, Joe & Sue. CHANGE AT CSI: Ron Ward has retired. We wish him well and welcome on board Joe Miazgowicz […]

Organic Once considered a 60’s thing, demand for organically raised foods is increasing yearly due to perceived concerns over the use of toxic chemicals in conventional farming. Recently the federal government has codified organic standards meaning that Organically Grown is becoming big business. Still organic too often means what you can and can’t use in […]

GREETINGS: Hope you, your family, your livestock and your crops are surviving the challenging weather. Also hope you had crop insurance if needed. This season has certainly reminded me of the importance of supporting your crop at every stage possible. Current commodity prices should allow you to put a little more in to get a […]

GROWING PROBLEMS: In spite of our best practices we can still be challenged by Weeds, Insects, Diseases and Conditions. I will address each of these and give you some ideas that may help you avoid or deal with them. These problems can be worsened by rising carbon dioxide levels that can cause a major change in […]

Letting Nature Supply All Your Nitrogen Needs Human activity is affecting planet earth to such an extent that natural scientists are naming this time the beginning of a new geological age/epoch called Anthropocene (the recent age of man) and ending what was the Holocene epoch (about 17,000 years ago to present). We are no longer […]